Recovery and Potential Donor Update

7:40 p.m. Stephen had a follow-up visit today and we're happy to report that he is doing well. He is still moving a bit slow but is on the road to healing. We are so happy to have him at home with us although we know that he is eager to get back to his life in White Plains.

We are so very touched to report that several potential donors have called Yale's Transplant Center. We are very grateful and feel very blessed to have wonderful people in our lives who would consider giving such an amazing gift. We do want to let everyone know that the Transplant Center cannot give us any information regarding potential donors. All we know is that there have been some contacts made. It is frustrating to not be able to thank those who have called but we honestly do not have any information on just who has called. We certainly respect everyone's right to confidentiality but just wanted to let everyone know that the only information we will know about potential donors will be what the donors themselves share with us.

Although this journey continues, we are very grateful that Stephen will return to health and that Alison's condition has remained "status quo". We thank everyone for your continued support and prayers.

Looking forward to a warm and quiet weekend.

Love,
Karen and Joe

Out of the Hospital

Wow, it’s been a trip. I’ve definitely learned that everyone’s body is different and will react differently to similar situations. And doctors don’t always know what’s best, they’re assistants and you’re really the guide to your own well-being.
Nonetheless after waiting to go home for a few days they’re letting me go. I want to thank everyone for their support whether it be flowers, messages, or visits. It made the experience a lot more bearable.
So, I didn’t give my sister part of my liver. The doctor really explained it like this: the preliminary tests are only able to confirm 90% estimates and they’re really never know until they open me up. They opened me up and removed my gall bladder, got that blasted thing out of the way, and started to move stuff around and noticed that the main vein supplying blood to my liver was running differently than they anticipated. Using their wisdom and communications with other experienced surgeons across the world they decided to not proceed with the surgery. Hopefully a more appropriate candidate will come forward and we can get my Alison back to normal (whatever that may be ;-))
It’s still weighing on me that I couldn’t be the life giver I could have been for my little sister but I trust the surgeon’s call by not removing the liver. So as I’m sitting here in stitches (literally) there’s still a lot of emotion that I need to deal with and a long path ahead of me to get me up and running (running-hopefully by this summer).
So will definitely still need your support with my two weeks at my parent’s house in recuperation and months of “taking things slow” (I know, very abnormal for me). Again, thank you all for your support and prayers and hope that they will continue while I recover and we find Alison a better donor.
Posted By: Stephen

Happy Easter

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog but we were busy bringing Stephen home. Yes, I said, "bringing Stephen" home. The catscan showed that he did have some fluid in his lungs and abdomen but nothing more than what should be expected. He also did have a blockage but it appeared as if the blockage was starting to clear. Since he had a pretty good night, the doctor determined that he could come home today. Needless to say we are all thrilled to have him home and to be home. He has had a bit of a time getting comfortable but is resting now. So, for the moment all is right with the world, our girls were able to go to church on Easter Sunday and the Easter Bunny found the Cubbellotti "kids" and left their baskets at their respective morning "spots". We will relax for the afternoon with my sister in law Dawn bringing dinner and then perhaps with some of my family later. We feel so very blessed. Our families have been amazing, our friends so supportive. May you all have a blessed Easter Sunday to enjoy with those you love.
Much love and thanks to all,
Karen and of course, Joe and our children

Rough Afternoon

Pain and emotions are going hand in hand today.

Morning Update-11:45 am

So, I'm sure the night shift thinks I'm one of those "crazy" mothers-as I just wanted them to relieve my son's pain. They finally got an order for the "good"medication and Stephen got relief. Dr. Emre came in this morning and he feels that the pain is not from anything concerning. He is sending him for a catscan just to make sure. Hopefully, we can keep the pain under control and start moving forward-again, stay tuned.

Spoke too soon

12:10 am Stephen and Alison convinced me that I should go home tonight, so I reluctantly did. But Stephen's pain returned and so did I. Again, the doctors can't seem to get it under control.

A Brighter Afternoon

5:25 pm So, it seems as if Stephen has turned a corner. A wonderful doctor made a great "call" today and changed Stephen's pain medication and within an hour he was like a new person. He is still, of course, uncomfortable but nothing like he has been for the past 3 days. We are hopeful that he is starting on the road to recuperating-stay tuned.